Wooden Star: The Life of Natalie Wood

The Tragic Star of Hollywood: Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood, born Natalia Nikolaevna Zakharenko, was a beloved American actress and child star. Known for her roles in classics like "Rebel Without a Cause" and "West Side Story," Wood had a captivating screen presence and a talent that made her one of the most iconic actresses of her time. Tragically, Wood's life came to a premature and mysterious end in 1981, but her legacy continues to live on in the hearts of fans around the world.

Avalon (1960)

Synopsis: A young man of Polish origin sets out to conquer the American dream in Baltimore, but he realizes that the road to success is fraught with obstacles.

Actors: Natalie Wood, Richard Pryor, Elizabeth Wilson

Release date: March 9, 1961

Box office revenue: $4,000,000

Other information: Avalon was nominated for 4 Oscars in 1991.

The Searchers (1956)

Synopsis: After his niece is kidnapped by Comanches, a determined man embarks on an epic quest to bring her back home, in Texas.

Actors: Natalie Wood, John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter

Release date: March 13, 1956

Box office revenue: $4,800,000

Other information: Considered one of the greatest Westerns of all time.

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Synopsis: A conflicted teenager finds comfort and a form of friendship in a group of marginalized youths.

Actors: Natalie Wood, James Dean, Sal Mineo

Release date: October 27, 1955

Box office revenue: $2,500,000

Other information: Famous for James Dean's iconic role.

West Side Story (1961)

Synopsis: A modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet set in the streets of New York, where two rival gangs clash.

Actors: Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris

Release date: October 18, 1961

Box office revenue: $43,656,822

Other information: Winner of 10 Oscars, including Best Picture.

Love with the Proper Stranger (1963)

Synopsis: A young woman becomes pregnant after a brief affair with a musician and tries to find a solution to their situation.

Actors: Natalie Wood, Steve McQueen, Edie Adams

Release date: December 7, 1963

Box office revenue: $3,500,000

Other information: Natalie Wood was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in this film.

Gypsy (1962)

Synopsis: The true story of Gypsy Rose Lee, a famous 1920s stripper, and her ambitious mother who dreams of making her a showbiz star.

Actors: Natalie Wood, Rosalind Russell, Karl Malden

Release date: November 1, 1962

Box office revenue: $6,100,000

Other information: Adaptation of the hit musical.

Splendor in the Grass (1961)

Synopsis: Two madly in love teenagers see their relationship put to the test by the social and family conventions of the time.

Actors: Natalie Wood, Warren Beatty, Pat Hingle

Release date: October 10, 1961

Box office revenue: $6,626,669

Other information: Awarded an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Inside Daisy Clover (1965)

Synopsis: A young girl from a modest background becomes a Hollywood movie star, but quickly discovers the dark side of fame.

Actors: Natalie Wood, Robert Redford, Christopher Plummer

Release date: December 22, 1965

Box office revenue: $2,500,000

Other information: Natalie Wood won the Golden Globe for Best Actress for her performance.

The Great Race (1965)

Synopsis: A spectacular car race around the world pits a brave hero, a Machiavellian villain, and an intrepid beautiful journalist against each other.

Actors: Natalie Wood, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon

Release date: July 1, 1965

Box office revenue: $25,333,000

Other information: Nominated for Oscars for Best Art Direction.